Decker’s Goal: Elevate Holliston’s Girls Lacrosse Program

Emma Decker started playing lacrosse when she was a freshman in high school ,and what’s transpired since that time has been a remarkable ride.
She probably had no idea that she’d guide Algonquin Regional to the state championship final in her senior year (2012), then proceed to become a four-time all-star goalie at Regis College in Weston, where she sparked the Pride to four consecutive New England Collegiate Conference championships.
Before her senior year at Regis, the Southboro native was one of 40 players chosen to compete for an American International Team that traveled to Europe where it faced off against squads from Ireland, Scotland and England. Now, at the age of 23, Decker is a varsity coach, selected in March to help Holliston High’s girls’ contingent become more competitive in the Tri Valley League.
“I’m excited to be coaching,’’ Decker said. “While I was at Algonquin, we played some of the Tri Valley League teams that Holliston has on its schedule. Coaching will be a challenge, but I’m looking forward to helping Holliston improve its standing. When I played goalie in high school and college, I saw the entire field, and that enabled me to become an instinctive player. Hopefully, I’ll have the knack to put players in the right positions.’’
Without the benefit of youth league experience, Decker managed to become a reserve goalie as a junior in high school. Her senior year, however, was ultra successful. Algonquin finished 21-2, won the Central Mass. Sectional title by downing Westboro, then bowed in the state finale to Westwood.
“My best game at Algonquin was our 7-5 victory over Westboro in the sectional,’’ Decker recalled. “We were tied 4-4 at the half, but rallied for the win. It was a must-win game if we were to advance to the states. I made some big saves and finished with a save percentage of 73.’’
After a dynamic senior campaign that included a 7.3 goals-against average and a save percentage of 54, the 5-foot-3 Decker enrolled at Regis, where she started all four years, finished with four winning seasons, was named a four-time all-star and led the college to four straight league crowns. She also set five records that still stand — career wins (52); most wins in a season (14); career saves (605); save percentage (51.4); and goals-against average (8.06). She’s also tied with three other players for most career games (73).
An all-tourney team selection four times, Decker called her collegiate career “a tremendous experience,’’ and her top thrills were winning four conference crowns and selection to the international all-star team.
“The four championships were dynamic and playing in Europe was a great opportunity,’’ Decker said. “Forty players from all college divisions were chosen — 20 for an Eastern All-star Team and 20 for a Western squad,’’ Decker noted. “Playing for the East, we competed in four games and I was able to post a 10-0 shutout against the University of Dublin. We also played all-star teams from England and Scotland. Playing in Europe was amazing.’’
An education major at Regis, Decker is working at the Chickering Elementary School in Dover in special education. Eager to stay close to lacrosse, she applied for the vacant Holliston post and was hired on March 1. She inherits a team that won only three games last year.
“My goals are to win more than three games and to create a family environment where the players will be comfortable,’’ Decker emphasized. “If players make a mistake, that’s okay but they’ll have to learn from those mistakes, especially in practice. We’ve got a young team with lots of freshman and sophomores. Nevertheless, I want us to be aggressive and scrappy, both on offense and defense and also to be smart in our decision-making.’’
So far, the Panthers, who had a 1-3 record at Local Town Pages deadline, have pleased Decker. She likes her players’ effort, dedication and desire. Four players who’ve been impressive in the early going are sophomore Lily Trainor and senior tri-captain Rachel Elkinson at attack, junior Emily Zuraski in goal and sophomore Lauren Salley, a midfielder.
“Lily is aggressive on offense, has a high lacrosse IQ and has already verbally committed to play at the University of Vermont,’’ Decker said. “Rachel leads by example and by being supportive. A good role model, she’s strong on offense. Emily is relentless and instinctive, able to make clutch saves. Lauren is an excellent transition player who passes well and has very good field awareness.’’
Aware that the TVL is a highly competitive circuit, Decker knows that Hopkinton, Dover-Sherborn, Medfield and Westwood will be the top-tier teams and that patience and time will be needed for Holliston to match up with that group.
“I want our girls to put forth their best effort, strive to reach their potential and have some fun along the way,’’ Decker said. “If we give our maximum effort, then winning will eventually follow. The girls’ goal is to win nine matches and qualify for the tourney. That’s a lofty objective, but it shows how determined they are.’’
It may take a few years for Holliston to emerge as a power in girls’ lacrosse, but the Panthers appear to be heading in the right direction with Emma Decker leading the Panthers.